What my neighbors see as I emerge from my house once a week to get a delivery
The image presented is a humorous meme that features a recognizable character from popular culture in a rather unflattering and comical situation. Above the picture is a text caption that reads, "What my neighbors see as I emerge from my house once a week to get a delivery." The character clutching a cardboard delivery box is looking rather furtive and wild-eyed, which adds to the humor of the image.
The character depicted is Gollum, a famous character from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" series, known for his reclusive nature, his obsession with the "precious" One Ring, and his skulking demeanor. Gollum is typically associated with isolation and a deep attachment to his cherished item, making him ideal for representing someone who seldom leaves their home.
The humor in this image stems from the hyperbolic comparison between the person experiencing home delivery and Gollum. It implies that the person’s infrequent interactions with the outside world and eagerness to receive their deliveries parallels the behavior of a creature that lives in seclusion and fixates on a singular precious possession — in Gollum's case, the ring, and in the person's case, the delivery.
This meme might be particularly funny to people due to its relatability, especially in the context of the rise in online shopping and home deliveries that has been further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many can identify with the feeling of becoming more hermit-like, making rare appearances only to collect items they have ordered online, as they spend more time at home.
Adding to the humor is the portrayal of Gollum with an Amazon delivery box, which is a nod to the modern world’s reliance on e-commerce giants for getting goods without leaving the comfort of their homes. This unlikely combination of a fantasy creature and a real-world object creates a humorous anachronism.
Lastly, the comedic value is also in the self-deprecating nature of the meme. By comparing oneself to a creature as unsightly and antisocial as Gollum, the creator is making light of their own habits in a fun and self-aware manner. It is this self-recognition in the meme that can provoke a chuckle, as viewers might see a bit of themselves in this exaggerated and playful depiction. What my neighbors see as I emerge from my house once a week to get a delivery
